What do you think of a Bandit 600?

[Ridgerider]

I've been lurking here for a while, but I've decided to register and get involved.  Because I know there is a wealth of knowledge here, and folks aren't afraid of being honest, I have a question for you.  First some backround.  I'm a returning rider.  I rode a lot when I was in my 20's.  I got out of it for all the usual, reasons - marriage, kids, etc.   A few years ago motorcycling fell in my lap again when I inherited a perfect condition 1985 Honda VF500.  Although it's old, this bike is a terrific ride.  I use it to commute, ride with my buddies on the weekend, and just generally have with.  After 30 years I've caught the motorcycling bug again big time.  Now I want to do some touring around New England.  I'm hesitate to ride the VF 500 because it's small and older.  I'm worried that parts will be an issue if I need a repair.  Well,  just the other day someone I know approached me and asked if I'd be interested in buying a '00 Bandit 600s for a good price.  Should I go for it?  It's a lot newer than the Honda, but will there be any significant difference in the ride?  I welcome your feedback.

Peter    

[Against The Wind]

For someone with at least some experience, as you seem to have, it's a great bike. Firstly it's as reliable as a stone. Secondly there is support for it and lastly, it's not a complete rocketship. Have fun.

Oh and also WELCOME

[Johnny Monsoon]

I love the B6 from the standpoint that it exudes practicality.  The '00 will be a 1st Generation bike, and while I like those, the 2Gen fairing is a bit better with keeping the elements off; though the 1st gen headlamp is better.  If you're talking naked for naked, the only appreciable difference is the instrument cluster.

In any regard, they are extremely reliable bikes, though decidedly cold-natured.  

I would not buy one for US highway speed cruising wtihout re-gearing it.  It is a reasonably smooth bike but it is just winding out a bit at upper highway speeds.

Otherwise, they're great bikes.  I'm not sure you'll get any advantage with the B6 over the Honda though.

[chaserkeywest]

Lots of aftermarket stuff for Bandits, Zero Gravity Touring screen and a set if bar risers from www.holeshot.com will make the bike a good long distance ride.

Dale Walkers www.holeshot.com is the place for jet kits and end cans that will gain 10hp and smooth out the throttle responce.

Go for it but be prepared to want a 1200 Bandit next time around then, you'll be into a real road rocket.

I and a lot of others prefer the 97-2000 Bandits over the later bikes that have lost something.

[pearsonm]

I'd rather have an SV650S, but that's just me.

[Riceman]

I'd rather have an SV650S, but that's just me.

I agree with "rather" having the SV...but he was offered a B6...so having that to work with, I say "go for it"....good reliable bike until someone else he knows offers a .........................

[pearsonm]

I agree with "rather" having the SV...but he was offered a B6...so having that to work with, I say "go for it"....good reliable bike until someone else he knows offers a .........................

Yes, I read his post and know what he was offered. He also asked if he should go for it and that he welcomes feedback. My answer - to him - is that I'd pass on the Bandit and find an SV650S instead. I’m quite certain he could find another good deal on a Bandit 600 if he misses this one.

[Jason F.]

I'd rather have an SV650S, but that's just me.

Why? Sort of a blanket statement with no clarification. I would like a SV650 as well but I have a Bandit 600. Stock for stock the SV handles a bit better as it should since it is a newer tech bike. I am no where near the handling limits of my B6 yet much less the SV but I certainly do not get left in the corners by a SV. The SV has good torque down low and is good off the line but it is not a fast bike. At highway speeds and passing maneuvers I can and have walked away and left an '05 SV650S with little to no effort. His bike was stock as is mine only his SV is 10 years newer. We were fairly even from 0 to 50 or 60 although he might have had a slight advantage but over 60 there was really no contest. I had to lift and wait on him many times over a 600 mile weekend ride. He was very disappointed in the top end performance of the SV. I have spent some time on another SV650 and felt the same. More Torque sure but well out of breath in the upper RPM and speed ranges.

I think the SV looks a bit better but I constantly get comments on how nice my bike is and most are shocked to hear it is a 96 model. The Bandit is a bit plain but it is also not very dated looking for being as old as it is. I would love to update the suspension on my bandit which is fairly easy to do as that is really the biggest short fall of the bike.

Oh and to be fair the SV does have an advantage on fuel mileage and range.

 

[Stargzrgrl]

I love the B6 from the standpoint that it exudes practicality.  The '00 will be a 1st Generation bike...

Nope!  I've got an '00 B6s and it's the first year Suzuki made the 2G changes to the Bandits.  

I love my B6s, hasn't failed me yet and I've ridden this bike so far to Arkansas, Canada, Colorado, and Virginia.  Adding traveling to the ST.N Natl. in South Dakota this year as well as a few other destinations north and west yet to be determined.  

[Johnny Monsoon]

Nope!  I've got an '00 B6s and it's the first year Suzuki made the 2G changes to the Bandits.  

I love my B6s, hasn't failed me yet and I've ridden this bike so far to Arkansas, Canada, Colorado, and Virginia.  Adding traveling to the ST.N Natl. in South Dakota this year as well as a few other destinations north and west yet to be determined.  

I stand corrected.  I thought '01 was the first of the 2G models, but was sold in '00; where '00 was the last of the 1G models.

[HillbillyNinja]

great bike but underpowered...get the 1200..you wont regret it...you dont have to use the power but the torque difference will make everyday life much better  :inlove:if your 500 has enough power for you, the 600 should do very well, it's a great bike, I had an 01 when I came back to riding

[pearsonm]

Why?

Because it's lighter, has an aluminum frame and has a bigger aftermarket since it’s a popular track bike. It’s also fuel injected and has longer valve-check intervals. I’ve had standards before and found the riding position overrated.

Again, he asked for opinions so I gave him mine. No one’s attacking your bike.

[cbsnbiker]

I've been lurking here for a while, but I've decided to register and get involved.  Because I know there is a wealth of knowledge here, and folks aren't afraid of being honest, I have a question for you.  First some backround.  I'm a returning rider.  I rode a lot when I was in my 20's.  I got out of it for all the usual, reasons - marriage, kids, etc.   A few years ago motorcycling fell in my lap again when I inherited a perfect condition 1985 Honda VF500.  Although it's old, this bike is a terrific ride.  I use it to commute, ride with my buddies on the weekend, and just generally have with.  After 30 years I've caught the motorcycling bug again big time.  Now I want to do some touring around New England.  I'm hesitate to ride the VF 500 because it's small and older.  I'm worried that parts will be an issue if I need a repair.  Well,  just the other day someone I know approached me and asked if I'd be interested in buying a '00 Bandit 600s for a good price.  Should I go for it?  It's a lot newer than the Honda, but will there be any significant difference in the ride?  I welcome your feedback.

Peter    

The Bandit will be a more modern bike, with all that goes along with it: more modern brakes, tighter suspension, etc.

Is it for you? Take a test ride and see if you like it.

I wouldn't give up on that older bike, though. If you want a change, go for it. But if you feel nostalgic for that VF, you might want to do some Googling to see what support is out there for that bike. If there's an active owners' group, they might be able to help you source spare parts, fix problems, etc. Many people love those older V-4 engines.

[ctfz1]

Bandit is a good ride until compared with newer bike. Worst feature, every one I rode had aftermarket exhaust, vibrated a lot.

[cb400bill]

I have an 02 Bandit 600S. Same bike as the 00 Bandit 600s.  I also used to own a Magna 500 (VF500c).  Same engine as the 500 Interceptor (VF500f)just smaller airbox, carbs and gearing.  The Bandit 600 will perform about the same as the VF500f in quickness and speed.

There is a strong following for the early V4 Hondas at:

http://www.sabmag.com/

[airmotive]

Good price: mid $2000.
I fell in love with the SV1000 myself...until I sat on one. It's a sport bike...not something to cruise around New England on. (At least not for a 6+ footer like me)

I've taken my 01 Bandit 6 from border to border and coast to coast. 75MPH on the highway is 6k RPM...right at the bottom of the meaty part of the power band, so a quick shot of throttle is always right there.

Center stand is standard. I love center stands.

The engine is a rock. Keep a little oil in it and it won't let you down.

Love the bike and want more power...drop in a gsx 750 , 1100 or 1200. In most cases, it's a bolt for bolt swap.

[johnnyb]

Well, I've spent a little time getting mine the way I like it.  But I sure do like it  

[VAbikeguy]

Lots of aftermarket stuff for Bandits, Zero Gravity Touring screen and a set if bar risers from www.holeshot.com will make the bike a good long distance ride.

Dale Walkers www.holeshot.com is the place for jet kits and end cans that will gain 10hp and smooth out the throttle responce.

Go for it but be prepared to want a 1200 Bandit next time around then, you'll be into a real road rocket.

I and a lot of others prefer the 97-2000 Bandits over the later bikes that have lost something.

I completely concur.  

I used to own a 2000 Bandit 600s and the bike performed flawlessly.  However, trips at highway speeds left something to be desired.  I always got that sensation like I wanted just a little more 'umph'.  So I traded in my 600 for a 2005 Bandit 1200s.  

Wow.  There was a huge difference.  The handling was pretty much the same, but having more displacement was just amazing.  Truth be told, the power isn't difficult to manage at all.  When I first threw a leg over the 1200, I was very careful because I remembered the sensitive throttle of my friend's R1.  Fortunately, the 1200 is as naughty or nice as you make it.  Plus, if you ever decide to do two-up riding, then you have enough ponies.  The 600 didn't really care for two riders.

Take a look here.  

[Grainbelt]

Unless you are riding 2-up with week's worth of gear, I doubt you'll be wont for power, particularly if you enjoy the VF500 and are looking mostly toward touring accessories and reliability. If the price is right, jump in. Worst case you sell it and buy something else.

[Doons]

Well, I've spent a little time getting mine the way I like it.  But I sure do like it  

Nice Scoot  

[NoGall]

I would go for an SV650:

- It has a longer valve inspect/adjustment interval than the Bandit.
- If you want to do a few track days, the SV is much more suitable for that purpose than the Bandit.
- If you decide to sell it later on for a sport or sport-tourer, the SV isn't running short of demand.

The overall versatility of the SV wins, for me. I liked my Bandit 600 too.

[Req]

Loved my '02 B6.  It did everything I wanted, if nothing perfectly.  A little noise in the fairing, a little down on power, but comfy, handled well, bulletproof reliable, and I loved the looks.  I bought it for 3K and sold it a year later for 3.3k, so I figure the return on investment was great.

In the year I had it it took me from Seattle to San Diego and back, loaded with waaaaay too much gear, as well as on a lot of local rides in the Cascades and wherever.

[bandit-o]

My first ride was an '81 Honda CX500 Custom.  Fast forward two years and I'm riding a 2002 Bandit 600S.  Huge difference in power, handling, comfort and appearance.  I love the B6S for what it is: an entry level 600cc SPORT-touring bike with the emphasis on sport.  The power isn't really there until after 6-7k rpm so you've got to rev it; passing cars requires a drop or two in gear.  Now that I've been riding it for about a year I'm already yearning for the power/torque of the B12.  If I had to do it all over again I probably would have gotten the B6 anyway just to get comfortable on a sportier bike.  However, the B12 looks more and more desirable simply for the motor.  I've noticed the B12 gets a lot more support from the forums and websites since the more "mod-oriented" folks tend to start with it rather than the 600.  YMMV.

Only you can decide what you're ready for.  If you can handle your Honda confidently I'd say wait out for a good deal on a B12S.  If you want to work your way up the power ranks and the price is right then go for the B6.